The combination of artificial intelligence, advanced automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and cloud services is enabling industrial plants to operate as connected environments that can monitor operations in real time, identify potential incidents, and adjust processes based on operational data. These technologies can support increased production, improved productivity, and more efficient resource utilization.
According to Deloitte’s Smart Manufacturing and Operations Survey 2025, companies that have implemented smart manufacturing initiatives report improvements of between 10% and 20% in production volume and increases of between 7% and 20% in employee productivity. In addition, some organizations have managed to increase their operational capacity by up to 15% thanks to these technologies.
Deloitte’s Smart Manufacturing leader, Tim Gaus, said during the report’s presentation that “the value of smart manufacturing is undeniable” and noted that organizations that have already invested in these capabilities will have a competitive advantage in a scenario marked by growing demand and greater pressure on productivity.
Digitalization is also gaining ground as a tool to respond to structural challenges in the industry, such as rising costs, the need to optimize energy consumption, or the shortage of certain professional profiles. Automation and advanced analytics systems make it possible to reduce repetitive tasks, improve production quality, and make data-based decisions in real time.
A global KPMG report also places the industrial sector among the most advanced in technology adoption. The study says that 76% of manufacturing companies show a high willingness to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, while 34% are already seeing a return on investment in multiple artificial intelligence use cases.
KPMG says that applications such as predictive maintenance, quality control supported by computer vision, or the optimization of production processes through AI are helping accelerate the digital maturity of the manufacturing sector. The consultancy believes that data integration, employee training, and cybersecurity will be determining factors in fully taking advantage of this transformation.
Protection of industrial environments has become an important consideration for companies. As factories become increasingly connected, monitoring and response systems are being implemented to protect critical infrastructure and support production continuity.
Spain has several examples of this trend. Companies in sectors such as food, logistics, and industrial manufacturing are incorporating automation, robotics, traceability, and artificial intelligence into their operations. Examples include plant and warehouse modernization projects developed by Telefónica and its industrial engineering subsidiary, Geprom, for companies such as Cerealto, Deoleo, and Legumbres La Cochura.
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